Toronto burlesque has a long and rich history. In the last decade, Toronto burlesque has definitely made a resurgence, as Toronto theatres and venues are routinely filled with audiences enjoying unique and titillating entertainment without equal.

The word “burlesque“ does not refer to nearly-nude women gyrating on poles for the entertainment of drunken men. Burlesque is not a synonym for stripping or exotic dancing. Burlesque is performance art that shines a spotlight on striptease, showcasing skits, comedy, variety and seduction. The genre of burlesque is aimed at a more sophisticated audience that wants to have a fun and entertaining evening. Burlesque often offers a glimpse at the naughty, but it is focused on fun and enjoyment.

The Toronto Burlesque scene saw its heyday in the Mid 40’s to the late 60’s. The Lux and Victory Theaters, with film attendance faltering turned to burlesque to bolster numbers and the Toronto burlesque scene quickly became a powerhouse in local entertainment. The Victory, billed as ‘offering the best in burlesque’, for quite some time ran a monopoly of Toronto burlesque entertainment. The Toronto burlesque community regularly drew burlesque stars like Tempest Storm, Blaze Starr, Satan’s Angel, Ann Perri, April March, Yvonne De Carlo, Tura Satana and many others.

Today, Great Canadian Burlesque, the Toronto Burlesque Festival and a multitude of performers and troupes keep burlesque not only alive but thriving as well. In 2012 alone, Great Canadian Burlesque was featured on Global, HGTV and CBC television, as well The Globe and Mail, Pire Magazine, Grid Magazine, Snap Toronto and numerous other print, radio and online articles.

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About Great Canadian Burlesque

Co-Founded by longtime Burlesque and variety entertainer Mysterion, the Great Canadian Burlesque produces the longest running Toronto burlesque talent showcase.

The talented ladies of the Great Canadian Burlesque have been featured in television and film, can be caught dancing on stage with some of Toronto's best bands and also be seen entertaining guests at private and corporate events across Canada.

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Experience a burlesque showcase of legends, icons and Hall of Famers- A showcase of decadence.

-The Staircase-

You know you will be in good hands with Mysterion and a line up of Canada’s best burlesque stars such as Fionna Flauntit, Chaos Divine, and Canadian Burlesque Hall of Famer – Tanya Cheex.

-Happening Halifax-

How excited are we? …well…how about being the first person to jump-on-the-bed-in-your-penthouse-hotel-room excited! Maybe even ‘nude pillow fight on roller skates’ excited!

-Miss Burlesque-

Where else can you see nine brassy burlesque babes, three gyrating belly dancers, two bodacious singers, a prurient pole dancer, a marvellous mentalist, lyrical Wolfman, and a NY Golden Pastie winner?

-Burlesque Beat-

About

Founded by longtime Burlesque and variety entertainer Mysterion, the Great Canadian Burlesque produces the longest running Toronto burlesque talent showcase.

Great Canadian Burlesque

The talented ladies of the Great Canadian Burlesque have been featured in television and film, can be seen in public productions and as featured backup dancers on stage with some of Toronto's best bands. In addition, the GCB can be found entertaining guests at private and corporate events across the country.